Question

How did issues of power, wealth and morality influence exploration and colonization in North America? Also give historical example of power, wealth and morality.

Answer 1

As a result of the Renaissance in Europe, information spread more easily and new knowledge and technology helped seafaring nations broaden trade, increase wealth and gain power. Prior trade with the Indies and competition from the Ottoman Empire led Portugal and Spain to seek out trade routes that they could control. Even though Vikings from Scandinavia had sailed to North America in the 900s, the rest of Europe had no idea. Thus, Columbus did not know that he had reached North America and instead thought he had reached the Indies. Because they didn’t find treasures from the old world, Europeans began to call it the New World. Africa, Europe and the New World came together when: Portugal began to ship African slaves to the New World, the Spanish needed to replace the Caribbean Indians that had been wiped out, and Europeans were able to exploit the resources they found in the New World and create settlements. When we describe power, wealth, and morality, we often connect power with politics, wealth is clearly money, and morality is often connected with religion. As we move forward in the unit, we will consider how Christopher Columbus’s voyages led to new exchanges between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Spain established a large empire in the Americas. Events in Europe affected settlement in North America. Several explorers searched for a Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean. European nations raced to establish empires in North America. Other European nations challenged Spain and the Americas. European diseases wiped out much of the Native American population, causing colonists to look for a new labor force. Europeans enslaved millions of Africans and sent them to work in their colonies. Slaves in the Americas created a distinct culture.